What is NPK

by Ryane Daniels

If your plants are growing smaller fruit, having troubles with yellowing leaves, or if they’re smaller than anticipated overall, chances are there may be something wrong. This is a common issue found for curious beginning gardeners, and the plants you’re growing may need a gentle boost. 

Why is this happening? 

The plant’s soil may not have enough healthy nutrients necessary for plant growth and reproduction, resulting in poor soil quality. Moreover, inconsistent watering may affect the plant’s ability to absorb essential nutrients. Plant nutrients are necessary for plant growth and reproduction, and healthy soil typically contains most of the nutrients for plants to thrive. The rest are often replenished by air and water to help the plant continue to grow. 

To help encourage consistent growth, gardeners can also add missing nutrients or minerals as needed. Three primary minerals, nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium (also commonly abbreviated as NPK), are found in most fertilizer solutions that are dissolved in water and most commonly enter the plant when absorbed by plant roots. NPK fertilizers are plant food found in most nurseries or garden supply stores that help your garden grow strong and healthy.

 

 

Each nutrient performs specific functions dedicated to plant growth:

  • N = Nitrogen – Helps plants grow big and promotes leafy, green growth. Think of it as fuel for lush foliage.

  • P = Phosphorus – Strengthens roots and helps flowers and fruits develop. Great for blooming and producing.

  • K = Potassium – Boosts overall plant health, helps fight disease, and overall plant health.

You'll often see numbers on fertilizer bags like 10-10-10 or 5-10-5—these show how much of each nutrient is inside. (Some chemical fertilizers even provide additional micronutrients like zinc.) Just remember: nitrogen for leaves, phosphorus for roots and blooms, and potassium for strength!

In my eBook titled “Grow Your Own Garden With Ease,” it covers the basics of NPK as I’ve described above, along with wisdom and insights towards how fertilizer works for each plant’s unique composition, as well as how to choose the right fertilizer for your plants. The eBook is packed with the first ten steps every new gardener should take, including: 

  • How to find your region’s growing zone

  • Beginner tips for watering, understanding soil, and even pest control

  • How to determine your soil’s pH level, and even

  • Chemical vs organic fertilizers

This isn’t just a how-to– it’s a confidence booster for anyone with guidance that’s simple and clear. If you haven’t had a chance yet, we warmly invite you to grab your copy and join other beginner green thumbs on this wonderful journey.

Grab your copy here!

Your Plant Guide,

Ryane

 

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